Title Trans Mission My Quest to a Beard by Alex Bertie
Image:
Genre: LGBTQ, Biography
Justification:
Alex Bertie, you tube star wrote an
autobiography about his life and coming out as Trans. While this book was not
an award winner, it was still an important book to read. As someone who is straight
and does not meet a large Trans population, I wanted to learn more. This book
could be a beginner guide to understand Transsexual terminology, and desires.
Many books and shows now have LGBTQ themes such as Rick Rioban’s Magnus Chase trilogy,
Shameless, and even Geekerella. When looking for a book I intentionally chose an
autobiography. As students come out, they need books to help guide them and realize
they are not alone. This book has a glossary in the back with terms and talks
the reader through each step of the process and support systems, so students do
not feel alone or isolated.
Evaluation of the book:
This book was written with precise vocabulary. Every
word was carefully chosen and medically accurate. The book spends a significant
amount of time going over the vocabulary and defining it. The end of the book
includes a glossary defining the commonly used terminology. Sections of the
book are highlighted and emphasized to help spread Alex’s point. Certain words
are defined more then once to stress the importance. For example, Alex talks
about coming out once as not straight and twice as trans. He describes the self-harm
he does because he is uncomfortable in his own body. He spends the first chapter
defining all the gender terms so the reader would know what he was discussing.
The book gave unexpected insights into the transition
process. For instance, that there is no official timetable for approval. It
took 11 months to be approved. That is a long time to wait not knowing when the
end will occur. It was also interesting to learn that trans must be their own
advocates. Alex had to go to three doctors before he could follow the path he
wanted. The first doctor left him unprepared, the second ignored the research
and the third doctor listened. It is important to have the research and
advocate for yourself. Alex also discussed how his relationships suffered as
people were in different parts of the process. For instance, it was hard for
him to not wear his shirt after his surgery because his partner had not gotten
here yet in their relationship.
Alex is a graphic designer. Throughout the book he
uses line to help tell his story. His book does not follow a singular straight
bath but just out with distinct lines are large text. Certain areas of the text
are increased while others are decreased. Pictures are drawn around the edges
periodically. These simple sketches represent important moment’s in Alex’s life.
Each chapter had the same image through out the chapter.
Response:
(a) When I was in college there was a
man named Alejandro. He came from a poor town where they had nothing. He was
the boy who handwrote letters to computer companies asking for a computer and
was sent one. He had nothing. Throughout our time in college he started to
change. He grew his hair out. He got a chest, and no longer went by Alejandro
but Aless. Aless was and is my only trans acquittance. When she graduated college, she made her
transition. I wanted to know more about her path and how she handled job
applications, work, and a transition. I realized I knew nothing about the
struggles and need to learn.
© This book was very informative. I
learned about dysphoria, the process and the struggles. I knew it was hard to
be trans and that many trans individuals are murdered. I knew the bathroom bill
targeted people who are trans and that it was unjust, but I did not understand
the full range of information. I learned about sexual orientation and how it is
difficult to hate your own skin. This book was eye opening to me and I would love
to learn more. When I have time, I would love to watch the videos where Alex
talks about his transition and helps others come to grips with their bodies.
(g) Although this book did not earn a
lot of awards and accolades it is important book to read and have. The library
needs to be a place where everyone feels accepted, included and where people
can find information. This might be the book that a young man/women/ or none of
the above needs. It might inform someone about a different minority or allow for
less gender stereotypes. The most important thing is that it shows you are not
alone. There might be one student who needs this book to know they are not alone,
and they will survive and get through this. Alex’s mom reacted differently then
Alex wanted because the internet knew before she did. This might show someone that
reactions might look different because of different factors. Alex’s mom just
wanted to have her happy child. I enjoyed learning a lot of information.
Conclusion:
Trans Mission My Quest to a Beard
might not be an award winner. However, this book taught me and changed my
thinking on transgender issues. This is a must have book in every young adult
library. It could be the book that saves a transgender student from self-harm
or allows a child the tools to come out. It allows for others to have a new
appreciation and understanding for those who think differently. This book uses
precise vocabulary, unexpected insights, and lines to guide the reader through
a process of coming out and become a male. This important message needs to be
shares so that everyone can be more inclusive and understanding.
Citation:
Bertie, A. (2017). Trans
Mission My Quest to a Beard . New York : Little Brown and Companry .
The University of Texas at El Paso. (n.d.). How to
Write a Reaction Paper or Reader Response. Retrieved from Reader Response:
http://utminers.utep.edu/omwilliamson/engl0310link/readerresponse.htm
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